NPR News: 05-05-2026 3AM EDT

Renewed clashes erupted Monday between US and Iranian forces in the Middle East, shortly after President Trump announced "Project Freedom," a US initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic. Iran launched attacks that downed US-allied assets, including strikes on the UAE, which supports the US in the conflict. US forces responded by shooting down Iranian drones and missiles while targeting smaller Iranian vessels. Analysts link the timing to the Hormuz effort, viewing UAE attacks as possible Iranian retaliation, though motives remain unclear. The UAE faces warnings against deeper involvement that could lead to a prolonged quagmire.

President Trump held a small business summit Monday, promoting his economic agenda amid reports of declining public outlook on both the economy and his handling of it—even among supporters. Trump compared the ongoing Iran war, which he pledged would last no more than six weeks, to longer conflicts like Vietnam (19 years) and Iraq (10-12 years), framing it as relatively brief despite criticisms of delays. Separately, he criticized a Supreme Court ruling against many of his tariff policies, deeming them unconstitutional. The government is now reimbursing businesses billions of dollars as a result, though Trump maintains the tariffs enriched the US.